Every mediation service we offer — court-ordered or private — is available remotely through a secure, encrypted video meeting. Remote mediation carries the same structure, confidentiality, and enforceability as an in-person session, with none of the travel time or scheduling friction.
Remote mediation is especially valuable when parties are separated by geographic distance or when the two sides cannot be physically in the same room together — whether due to relocation, safety and comfort concerns, out-of-state or out-of-country residence, conflicting schedules, or simply a preference to avoid an in-person meeting during a difficult time.
You and the other party choose the format — remote or in-person — before your session is scheduled. Both are fully supported, at no additional cost, for every service listed on this page.
Voluntary mediation occurs before a court case is filed, when parties choose to resolve their disputes using the mediation process. Parties can work with a mediator to reach an agreement without legal representation. An agreement does not become binding until it is approved and signed by both parties. It is well suited for those separating from a partner with shared assets, resolving a dispute with business partners, and landlords and tenants facing the eviction process.
Court-ordered mediation is often mandated in divorce and parenting cases involving children, to resolve issues such as parental responsibility allocation, parenting time, and relocation. The court may also require mediation for financial matters related to a divorce. Parties usually choose their own mediator by agreement; if they cannot agree, the court typically selects someone from its list of court-certified mediators.
Whether court-ordered or entirely private, in person or remote — we help you build a workable agreement.
Parenting plans, parental responsibility allocation, parenting time, and relocation — court-ordered or private.
Separate with dignity. Negotiate a fair, mutually agreeable settlement before a case is ever filed.
Landlord and tenant mediation to resolve rent disputes, move-out timing, and lease conflicts out of court.
Operations, dissolution, and future direction — resolved without damaging the business relationship.
Family disputes over estates, inheritances, or trust administration — resolved while preserving relationships.
A confidential, neutral space to negotiate a resolution to virtually any personal or professional conflict.
When both spouses have already resolved asset division, parenting time, and support through mediation, the divorce becomes largely a matter of filing and confirming an agreement the court reviews and approves.
Uncontested cases built around a signed mediated agreement generally move through the court calendar much faster than contested cases.
Instead of waiting on opposing counsel's schedules, discovery deadlines, or contested hearings, you control the pace of the negotiation.
Because attorneys (if involved at all) are reviewing an agreement rather than litigating it, legal fees are typically far lower than in a fully contested divorce.
Reaching your own agreement tends to produce arrangements both spouses are more likely to honor going forward — which matters most when children are involved.
Free Mediation Assessment. Tell us about your situation. We'll evaluate whether your circumstances are a good fit for private mediation (both spouses must be willing to participate in good faith).
Required Mediation Questionnaire. Each spouse completes our intake questionnaire so the mediator understands both perspectives before the session — this shapes how the mediation is structured.
Mediation Session(s). You and your spouse meet with your mediator — in person in Galesburg or remotely via secure video meeting — to negotiate the terms of your separation: division of assets and debts, parenting plan (if applicable), and spousal support. Sessions run up to 4 hours ($800 flat, including prep and drafting); additional time is billed at $150/hour.
Drafted Agreement. Your mediator drafts a written settlement agreement reflecting everything you and your spouse agreed to.
Review & Signatures. Both spouses review the agreement (with independent legal counsel, if desired — mediators cannot provide legal advice) and sign the final document during or immediately following the session.
Filing. With a signed agreement in hand, you (or your attorney) file for divorce as an uncontested matter, submitting the mediated agreement to the court for approval.
While the mediator oversees the process, the outcome is ultimately determined by the parties. There is no obligation to reach a resolution during mediation — however, mediation is strongly incentivized because an unresolved dispute proceeds to court, which becomes far more expensive and time-consuming for everyone involved.
